Pipe machining apparatuses and methods of operating the same

Abstract

Pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus includes a tool support adapted to both part or completely cut a pipe into multiple portions, and machine a groove in an exterior surface of the pipe. In another aspect, the apparatus has a low radial clearance such that the tool support does not project a significant distance beyond a pipe. In a further aspect, a method of parting and machining a groove in a pipe with a single pipe machining apparatus is provided.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A tool support for a pipe machining apparatus, the tool support comprising:
 a base; 
 an advancement member adapted to rotate; 
 an advancement shaft coupled to the advancement member and adapted to rotate with the advancement member, wherein the advancement shaft includes a threaded portion; 
 a roller housing threadably coupled to the threaded portion of the advancement shaft and moveable along the advancement shaft as the advancement shaft rotates; 
 a tool housing coupled to and moveable with the roller housing, wherein the tool housing is adapted to simultaneously support a parting tool and a groove tool; 
 a roller adapted to engage an exterior surface of a pipe; and 
 a stop member engageable by the roller housing and adapted to stop movement of the parting tool and the groove tool in one direction with the parting tool and the groove tool supported by the tool housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The tool support of  claim 1 , wherein the groove tool is one of a plurality of groove tools adapted to be interchangeably supported, one at a time, by the tool support, and wherein each of the plurality of groove tools is adapted to machine a uniquely configured groove in a pipe. 
     
     
       3. The tool support of  claim 2 , wherein the parting tool is adapted to be used in combination with any of the plurality of groove tools. 
     
     
       4. The tool support of  claim 1 , wherein the stop member is adapted to stop movement of the parting tool and the groove tool in a direction toward the pipe. 
     
     
       5. A tool support for a pipe machining apparatus, the tool support comprising:
 a base; 
 an advancement member adapted to rotate; 
 an advancement shaft coupled to the advancement member and adapted to rotate with the advancement member, wherein the advancement shaft includes a threaded portion; 
 a roller housing threadably coupled to the threaded portion of the advancement shaft and moveable along the advancement shaft as the advancement shaft rotates; 
 a tool housing coupled to and moveable with the roller housing, wherein the tool housing is adapted to support a parting tool and a groove tool; 
 a roller adapted to engage an exterior surface of a pipe; 
 a stop member engageable by the roller housing and adapted to stop movement of the parting tool and the groove tool in one direction with the parting tool and the groove tool supported by the tool housing; and 
 a roller support member to which the roller is coupled, wherein the roller support member and the roller are moveable relative to the base, the roller housing, and the tool housing. 
 
     
     
       6. The tool support of  claim 5 , further comprising a threaded fastener coupled to the roller support member, wherein rotation of the threaded fastener moves the roller support member. 
     
     
       7. The tool support of  claim 5 , wherein the groove tool is one of a plurality of groove tools adapted to be interchangeably supported, one at a time, by the tool support, and wherein each of the plurality of groove tools is adapted to machine a uniquely configured groove in a pipe. 
     
     
       8. The tool support of  claim 7 , wherein the parting tool is adapted to be used in combination with any of the plurality of groove tools. 
     
     
       9. The tool support of  claim 5 , wherein the stop member is adapted to stop movement of the parting tool and the groove tool in a direction toward the pipe.